Simple Studies in Christian Essentials

 

                         Lesson 2

 

          Prayer in the Life of a Christian

 

   Introduction: Prayer has always had a large place

in the lives of God's people: Abraham, Gen 18:22-33;

Moses, Ps 90; Elijah, 1 Kg 18:36-37; David, Ps 72:20;

Paul, Rom 1:9. The Lord Jesus felt the need of prayer,

Lk 6:12.

 

I. Why should we pray?

 

    A. To worship and praise God, - Jn 4:23-24;

       Rom 15:11; Heb 13:15.

 

    B. To get things of God, - Jn16:24; James 4:2.

 

    C. To strengthen our spiritual natures, - 1 Jn 1:3-9.

 

    D. Commanded, - 1 Thess 5:17.

 

II. How should we pray?

 

    A. Scripturally:

 

        1. Addressing our prayers to the Father,

           - Matt 6:9; Jn 16:26-27.

 

        2. Depending upon the aid of the Holy

           Spirit, - Rom 8:26-27.

 

        3. Trusting the intercession of our High

           Priest, Jesus Christ, - Heb 4:14-16.

 

        4. In the will of God, - Jn 14:13-14 with

                                 1 Jn 5:14-15.

 

    B. With all sin confessed and forsaken,

       - Ps 66:18.

 

    C. In simple, resting faith, - Mk 11:24.

 

    D. Unselfishly, - James 4:2-3.

 

    E. Being most concerned for God's glory.

 

III. When and where shall we pray?

 

    A. Any place at any time, - Lk 18:1.

       It is always in order to pray.

 

    B. At regular, stated times, -

     

        1. Private devotions, - Matt 6:6.

 

        2. Family altar, - Philemon 2.

 

        3. Public meetings, - Acts 4:23-24.

 

    C. Necessary to struggle with hindering forces,

       - Dan 10:21,13.

 

   Conclusion: There are many promises but we will

learn three, - Jer 33:3; Mk 11:24; Mt 7:7.

 

                               Questions

 

   1. Name some of the Bible men of prayer.

 

   2. Give three reasons why we should pray.

 

   3. To Whom should we address our prayers?

 

   4. What part does the Holy Spirit have in prayer?

 

   5. What part does the Lord Jesus have?

 

   6. Explain John 14:13-14 in the light of 1 Jn 5:14-15.

 

   7. What attitude should we have toward sin?

 

   8. Do we have to use certain language in prayer?

 

   9. What hindrance to prayer is mentioned in James 4?

 

  10. Give three stated times at which we should pray.

 

  11. Give the three prayer promises asked for.